'The Young & Restless' Celebrates 40 Years on CBS

By Jackie Tacke | April 9, 2013

MP Columns

I’ve always watched The Young and the Restless, probably the entire 40 years they’ve been on air! My love of soap operas probably come from my mother and my grand mother, they too were avid watchers……mostly CBS soaps and All My Children (AMC) on ABC.

Recently I had an opportunity to attend a media day at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, that’s where they tape the soap opera, I had a wonderful time! I’ve gone to a few press events there before and each time I fall in love with the actors, actresses, crew and everyone involved all over again!

One thing I’ve always admired about Y&R is their current story lines……current meaning that their topics are always what’s happening in the world right now. They don’t tend to drag out their story lines either, sometimes both day and primetime soaps do that; making them boring, mundane and not relevant to what’s hot and trending in the news.

I had an opportunity to speak with a few of the “new faces” of Y&R and everyone was so gracious, friendly and happy to indulge us and our endless questions. During my time with the various actors and actresses, much to my surprise I found many military connections. As a matter of fact, almost everyone that I interviewed had a military connection, from playing a veteran on tv, father, uncle, ex-girlfriend, sister, cousin and grandfather; there were many, many camouflage connections.

On one of my past visits to the set of Y&R, I was with a former designer and client from Project Runway who too was a huge fan of the show. We had the opportunity to visit with a ton of the actors and actresses, watch scenes be rehearsed, visit the various stages were they film and get a look at the massive wardrobe department. We were further honored when some of her jewelry designs were worn by Jess Walton’s character…….Jill for several shows. It was such a thrill!!

But there is more news surrounding Y&R lately, having recently acquired a fifty percent stake of the TV Guide Network, CBS is sending the long running soap to the network as its new home for cable viewers.

It won’t happen until this summer but it marks the conclusion of the soap’s tenure on Soapnet. The series will still be on at the same time, 7 p.m. day-to-date when it moves. This is the first programming announcement since CBS and Lionsgate partnered on TVGN television network and TVGuide.com on March 26, with CBS taking its stake from One Equity Partners.

The Young and the Restless is the top-rated daytime drama on U.S. television and is celebrating their 40th anniversary on the air. It’s been #1 for 24 of those years.

The soap is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television; the series had been getting replayed on Soapnet since 2006 — where it was also the top-rated soap.

As a huge fan of many soap operas, I was so sad when they took off As the World Turns; I was hoping that it was just a bad dream. But the recent ends to One Live To Live and All My Children seemed to resonate a bigger resistance than the aforementioned because they are both being resurrected online.

All I can hope for is another 40 years of Y&R; I hope it goes on for as long as it can….. because I know I’ll be still watching!

Until next time my Veteran Fashionistas, as always, stay fashionable!

Jackie Thomas is a proud Navy Veteran. She has represented designers from Project Runway, Project Runway All Stars, All On The Line, etc. She produces celebrity fashion shows all across the country and abroad. She’s also a Guest Speaker for FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in San Diego. Visit Veteran Fashionista on Facebook.